Aging and Long-Term Support Administration

Agencies That Help

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

AAAs were established under the Federal Older Americans Act in 1973 to help older adults (60 or older) remain in their home. AAAs are located throughout the United States and are available in every county within Washington State.

AAA's help older adults plan and find additional care, services, or programs. Help can range from getting services for a frail adult so he/she can remain at home to providing access to activities and socialization through programs like senior centers. They also provide support and services to the family or friends helping to care for older adults.

Why would you contact them?

AAA offices are a tremendous resource and one of the best places to start for any adult over 60 who needs or wants additional support or services. Your local AAA staff are experts on what services and supports are available where you live. AAA staff can help assess the current situation and plan for what is needed. They are also a valuable resource for family or friends who are providing care to an aging adult and need information, support, and/or respite services. Find the local AAA office.

Senior Information & Assistance (I & A)

I & A is a free information and referral service for adults age 60 and older and for family and friends helping care for the older adult.

Why would you contact them?

Contact them any time you have a question or concern about getting help for an adult sixty or older or for anyone providing unpaid care for that adult. Local offices throughout Washington State can help you:

Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

The Family Caregiver Support Program is a service available to unpaid caregivers of adults needing care and living in Washington State. There are local Family Caregiver Support Program offices throughout the state staffed with caring and knowledgeable people who can help you:

Find local resources/services.

Find caregiver support groups and counseling.

Get training on specific caregiving topics.

Get respite care if you need a break.

Talk through specific issues you are having and offer practical information and caregiving suggestions.

Generally, these services are offered free or at low cost. Certain eligibility requirements may apply and availability varies from community to community.

Why would you contact them?

Providing unpaid care to a family member or friend can be emotionally and physically draining and can be an isolating time. Staff with the FCSP program can provide information, support, and services that can be a lifesaving resource. Find the local FCSP.

Home and Community Services (HCS)

Home and Community Services is part of the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, an agency within the Department of Health and Social Services (DSHS). At the local level, HCS staff help adults who need care services but may need state funds (Medicaid) to help pay for them. Learn more about applying for Medicaid.

If the person is eligible for Medicaid, an HCS case manager will work with the adult to decide what additional care is needed and develop a care plan based on his/her needs. Your local HCS staff are experts on the services and support available where you live.

Why would you contact them?

HCS offices are a tremendous resource and the best place to start for an adult who may need help paying for long term care due to a medical or disabling condition. Find a local HCS office.

Adult Protective Services

APS protects vulnerable adults by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation when the person lives in their own home. APS conducts an investigation at no charge and without regard to the income of the alleged victim. Some protective services may be provided without cost. Learn more about what happens when you call APS.

Why would you contact them?

Contact them any time you suspect a vulnerable adult living in his/her own home may be being harmed. Learn more about vulnerable adult abuse and prevention. Find your local APS office.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes quality of life for people living in licensed, long-term adult care facilities (e.g. adult family home, Assisted Living Facility, nursing home). An ombudsman:

Advocates for the rights of clients in adult care facilities;

Works with clients, families and facility staff to meet the needs and concerns of the people living there; and

Provides a way to get complaints and concerns heard and resolved.

The following people can use the Ombudsman Program:

residents living in a care facility and his/her relatives or friends;

administrators and staff of an adult family home, Assisted Living Facility or nursing home.

Why would you contact them?

A local ombudsman is an excellent resource for information and help and is a trusted resource in mediating complaints or concerns you may have about anyone living in an adult care facility. Call them if there is a problem you can’t resolve or you need another knowledgeable resource that works in the long-term care community. Find your local ombudsman office.